WASHINGTON—Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) released the following statement in response to the question of how NFL players and representatives choose to respond to America’s national anthem:

“The National Football League is home to some of the most talented athletes in the greatest nation of the world. While I respect their right to protest, I commend to them the examples of their colleagues Pat Tillman and Alejandro Villanueva. These men defended that freedom and their fellow citizens as Army Rangers, and their actions illustrate a patriotism that unifies Americans.

On Thursday, September 21, just before 11:30 p.m., Canton Police officers were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery at 12 Jefferson Circle. A description of the suspect vehicle (a red Dodge Dart) was given by the victim and broadcast to units as they responded. Officers quickly spotted the vehicle on Main Street as it neared Interstate 575, initiated a traffic stop and took numerous individuals that were occupying the car into custody. Officers, along with police detectives, arrived at the Housing Authority unit on Jefferson Circle, cordoned off the crime scene, collected additional statements and secured a search warrant for the residence.

ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr today cautioned Georgians in the market for a vehicle to be aware that many of the flood-damaged cars from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma will be recycled into the used car market. Such vehicles are often sold at auction and then wind up on used car lots. Sometimes the vehicle’s title will indicate “salvage” or “totaled,” but sometimes dishonest dealers retitle the vehicle in another state and do not disclose the damage on the vehicle’s title as required, a practice known as “title washing.”

Press Release Cherokee Marshal's Office - The Cherokee Marshal’s Office is currently investigating an animal cruelty case. At approximately 8:00 a.m. an 8-year-old Irish Sport Show Horse was found deceased in a pasture. Preliminary investigation indicates the horse sustained a gunshot wound to the head. The horse was boarded at The Stables at Union Hill which is a boarding facility. The Cherokee Marshal’s Office is requesting the publics assistance in this case; if anyone has any information regarding this case please contact the Cherokee Marshal’s Office at 678-493-6203. Owners’ are offering a reward of $15,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction of person(s) responsible.

Following a vote to lower the millage rate by the school board earlier this month, the Progress sat down with Superintendent Carlton Wilson and school finance director Amy Smith.

This marks the largest rollback in the millage rate in seven years and the second straight year of cuts.

The tax rate for 2017 was approved at 15.66 mills, down from 15.98 last year and from 16.1 mills the four years prior.

In terms of local tax dollars (mostly from property taxes) the schools will budget to collect $21,416,418 for 2017, only slightly lower than the amount collected last year, but almost $900,000 lower than the amount collected 2012, when they budgeted for $22.3 million in local taxes.

See full story, which includes comments from the schools finance officer and superintendent, in this week's print or online edition.